QA_Memo_Sept_17.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

CORPS OF ENGINEERS, JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT

P. O. BOX 4970

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32232-0019

September 17,2018

SAJ/CT

MEMO FOR: ALL INTERESTED PARTIES TO SOLICITATION W912EP-18-R-0047 QA SVS PUERTO RICO AND

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

SUBJECT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO SOLICITATION W912EP-18-R-0047

1. All submitted questions and answers shall be published to in this memorandum and posted to the solicitation site for W912EP-18-R-0047 on FBO.gov, and will be updated as questions and answers are received until the published date for the close of questions.

2. Questions and Answer from individual emails submitted in response to the solicitation:

3. All answers to submitted questions are in red. The start of each question set submitted are bolded.

4. Received August 24, 2018 from Art Corsano who asked the following question set:

1. Starting on page 3, items 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, 4001, 5001 all list blanks for the unit price, the amount, and net amount. We are listing all our various discipline rates in the pricing template provided later in the document. Without knowledge of what the "job" is, I am not sure what the Corps is looking for as an entry for these blanks.

Offeror is to provide fully burden hourly rates for the disciplines in the price schedule of the IDIQ. The Offeror is to then take these hourly rates and apply them to the mock task order. For CLIN 0001 put the amount to do the mock task order on the line, for 1001 use next years rates, 2001 used the 3rd years rates, for 3001 use the 4th rates, for 4001 use the 5th year rates all from contract award. CLIN 5001 is a 6 month extension CLIN that may be exercised after 5001;

don't worry about wage determination increases you can submit an equitable adjustment to zero out changes from contract award. Additionally, Offeror will use these burdened rates for future task orders.

2. SF 1449 shows September 17 @ 10am as the reply time, but one solicitation shows September

20. What is the reply date.

Art, on question 2 the due date and time of proposals is 20 Sept 2018 at 10:00 am. I'm not sure what you are looking at, 17 September is not in the solicitation document which is the SF 1449.

There is a sources sought for market research and a synopsis for advertisement purposes, any dates there are estimates. The date is 20 September at 10 am.

3. Paragraph 1.6.11.1 lists the required disciplines (approximately 22). A SDVOSB may have difficulty, (in such a limited period before the proposal due date) in aligning aligning all personnel in all ratings for each discipline. Are you requiring resumes for all positions? If so, can there be a reduced requirement? Are resumes included in the page count?

No. The solicitation does not request resumes for all disciplines to be submitted for evaluation.

It does however ask for the contractor's technical approach, management plan, and staffing on how to work the mock task order, and the instruction to offerors also asks to show a minimum experience of 5 years performing quality assurance. May answer is, "The contractor can use resume's to support staffing and technical capability, but doesn't necessarily have to supply all resumes."

4. The proposal will be extensive and voluminous, and put a burden on the resources of a SDVOSB.

Lining up well qualified candidates can take time, as well as writing the proposal, itself. Can the due date hopefully be extended?

Art, the close of questions is on 12 September 2018. If by that time you don't have sufficient time to complete the proposal request an extension.

4. Received August 27, 2018 from Terri Dupre asked the following question set:

1. Do you know when the final advertisement/ Request for Proposal will be posted?

The final proposal was posted 21 August. The draft solicitation was a mistake, the released version has been posted on FBO. Please download the next version and follow the dates.

5. Received August 27, 2018 from Arthur Corsano the following question set:

1. Page 53 of 100 outlines submittal review. Will we actually review for design compliance (for example: pump sizing, concrete rebar, structural calcs, electrical loads, etc)? Or will the A&E, Designer of Record, perform that type of review. In other words, we know we will keep submittal logs, track, and coordinate, but where does the responsibility and liability of design (submittal) adherence lie?

For these projects all design work is completed, and the construction commenced. The QA services will be ensuring compliance with building codes, plans, and contractual specifications. There is no design work or review on for QA services required.

2. We are concerned about the Puerto payroll/income taxing issues. If the rates turn out to be significantly higher in Puerto Rico than the US Virgin Islands, would it be possible for the Corps to allow two pricing templates - one for Puerto Rico work and one for US Virgin Island work?

The rates for Puerto Rico and Virgin Island are approximately the same. The vast majority of work will be in Puerto Rico. For these reasons only one Puerto Rico priced template is required.

There will only be one pricing template for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

3. We noticed in the pricing template there is no line item for a testing lab should that be required -only the technician. Should the lab costs go into overhead for the technician?

We are providing the test equipment and facility; we only need a qualified lab technician to perform tests.

6. Received August 28 @10:01 am from Kimberly Schmidt I am looking at the new advertisement. I see that in box 10 only Small Business is marked. Will this still be a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Set-Aside as well? It still shows that is is on the FBO right side info bar.

This is a SDVOSB set aside.

7. Received 29 August @ 12:51 from Thomas Scott

1. The construction contractor’s detailed construction schedule determines the timing and level of effort for each discipline that will be required during the 12 month POP. What assumptions should we make for mob/demob, sequence of activities, duration of each activity, amount of overtime, etc. (i.e., assume a full complement of QA inspectors and associated staff will be required for the entire 12 month POP without any overtime)? Amount of FTEs needed to provide QA oversight at all time during the work schedule provided considering 10% of OT.

2. What specifically should we submit for pricing for the Mock Task Order – do we use the Pricing Schedule? If so, it is not clear that the sample problem will require all of the labor categories so should we only show the rates and prices for the categories that are used? Yes.

3. Should Volume IV include both a Pricing Schedule that only shows the rates for each labor category AND a separate cost proposal for the Mock Task Order? Yes.

4. Should we assume that the field and laboratory testing will be subcontracted and provided by a certified and qualified geotechnical firm or are you assuming that our company will provide the laboratory facilities and technicians? Your company will only provide technicians. Lab facilities and equipment will be provided by the Government.

5. The scope for the Mock Task Order includes “collection and laboratory analysis of soil, concrete and water samples” but these costs are usually provided on a “per sample” basis so how should we show this cost in the Pricing Schedule? The cost provided should be the labor hour rate associated to the lab technician services.

6. There isn’t sufficient data provided to accurately estimate the quantity of soil, asphalt and concrete that will require testing. Also, if the sampling and analysis costs are required to be shown as manhours then the contractor’s schedule assumptions will directly impact the amount and duration of each labor category. What assumptions should we make regarding the quantities and sample frequencies? Independent of the samples quantities and frequency, the projection is to have enough FTEs to provide QA oversight at all time during the work schedule provided.

7. ODCs (Contractor Furnished Equipment) are identified in Part 4 of the Mock Task Order but there is no place in the Pricing Schedule to account for these direct costs. How should we include these direct costs in the Pricing Schedule? Proposed rates should include G&A.

8. What is the estimated total volume of soil for the earthen embankment? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

9. What is the estimated total volume of soil cement required for the crest and interior surface of the earthen embankment? This is not a construction contract.QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

10. What is the estimated total linear feet of piping for chimney and blanket drains? This is not a

11. What is the estimated total length of the trench drain? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

12. How many settlement plates will be required in the embankment? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

13. What is the estimated total linear feet of discharge piping within the reservoir embankment and for the concrete discharge structure for the pump station? This is not a construction contract.

QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

14. What are the general specifications for the discharge tower structure? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

15. What are the specifications (size, volume of concrete, etc.) for the service spillway? This is not a

16. How many withdrawal pumps will be installed? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

17. What is the estimated quantity of conduit and associated wiring that will be required for the discharge structure? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

18. The Mock Task Order identifies “Associated Structures to Capture Water from the XYZ Basin” in the Project Description section but the details do not seem to identify any of these structures.

Are there any other structures that will be included in the project that are not identified as “Specific project components include the following items and incidental related work”? The intention of the “Project Description” included in the mock Task Order is to give the contractor an idea of the kind of the ongoing activities to be inspected and to determine the type and amount of disciplines needed to perform the site oversight considering the work week schedule provided and the fact that oversight is required at all times during construction.

19. What is the estimated quantity of shellrock road surface and grassing shoulders that are required for access roads? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

20. How many box culverts will be placed? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

21. What are the specifications (size, volume of concrete, etc.) for the boat ramps? This is not a

22. How many piezometers and monitoring wells will be required and what is the estimated quantity for the associated conduit, wiring and RTUs? This is not a construction contract. QA Services should be provided at all time during construction independent of the ongoing activity or quantity of material place.

23. Due to the tremendous demands on our government POCs during this end of fiscal year contracting flurry, if our references have already provided a PPQ for other solicitations, can we use that same PPQ for this solicitation? Non-technical question. To be answered by CT.

8. Received 30 Aug @10:05 AM from Patrick Balcazar

1. The original solicitation is announced on FBO as a Service Disabled Veteran Own Small Business, but the SF 1449 that was published without the "Draft" shows only Small Business in Block 10. Is this still an SDVOSB proposal?

Yes, the set aside is a SDVOSB.

2. How do we obtain Certification by CVE?

Annotate your SAM registration if you are a SDVOSB.

9. Received 31 Aug @3:01 PM from Scott Bolo

1. We have an office dedicated to this similar scope of work. In order for us to assess staffing levels do you anticipate the spending to be in line for 2019 with last fiscal year (2018)?

Yes, 2018 to 2020 will be at the same level, the work will increase in 2020 and beyond.

2. Could you please give a historical distribution of work between USVI and Puerto Rico? Is this expected to continue on in relative percentages of work completion location?

Puerto Rico 85%, Virgin Islands 15%

3. Is there a possibility that winning this contract could affect design contracts for similar work through conflict of interest?

Yes, If your firm is the A/E of record, then you cannot perform QA services on the construction portion of the project.

10. Received 4 Sept @10:51 am from Jessica Gugliotta

Are the attachment documents included in the page count for each volume?

* Are subconsultants required to sign the SF1442? No

* Are subconsultants required to complete Attachment 4 “Determination of Responsibility?” No

* Are we required to submit a subconsultant partnership agreement?

In accordance with FAR 19.702(b)(1), a subcontracting plan is not required from small business concerns. If you partner with another firm that is a different matter.

* Will subconsultant projects be considered in Volume III, or is USACE only wanting to see projects from the Prime firm? From the Prime.

* Can you clarify what the set-aside status is? SDVOSB

* Please clarify the due date and time. The SF1442, block 8 says September 21, 2018 at 10:00am, the QA memo says September 20, 2018 at 10:00am and FBO.gov says September 20 at 1:00pm.

21 Sept @10:00 AM; We are considering an extension.

* It is assumed that the disciplines listed on the pricing schedule must correspond with those listed on pages 17-18 of the solicitation document. Is this correct? Also, it is noted that the QC Manager, Contract Manager, and Alternate Contract Manager do not have a line items on the pricing grid. Is this intentional?

Contract Manager is on D39. Yes, Alternate Contract Manager and QC Manager was left off. We amendment the solicitation to add these labor categories

11. Received 5 Sept @9:35 from Gaberial Hilario

1. SF 1449, block 10., Indicates a Small Business acquisition. Is this an actual SDVOSB acquisition as well, will there be an update on SF 1449 sec. 10 indicating SDVOSB?

This is a SDVOSB set aside

2. Can you please disclose incumbent or is this a new acquisition?

The previous contractor is a SDVOSB, San Diego Project Management LLC.

12. Received 6 Sept @11:28 AM from Eric Robinson

1. May we have a 4 week extension?

We may consider extension. Please explain why you need an extension and why it must be 4 weeks.

This contract is basically time and rates for the labor categories shown in the solicitation.

13. Received 7 Sept @ 4:47 PM from Norman Fortier

1. Past Performance - Can subcontractor past performance be utilized for Past Performance history as well as documented resume past performance of key member participants related works i.e. Construction of Power plants.

No, Past Performance is to gauge performance of the prime contractor on similar projects. The Government cannot make this assessment based on past performance from a different firm.

3. Business Experience - Can the subcontractors past QA/QC experience be used Subcontractor experience can be used in supporting the technical section of the proposal.

4. Is there a minimum time period i.e. 12 months for each line item personnel position? It will be extremely difficult to perform if there is not at least a minimum hire duration of say 6 months to 12 months.

The contract is for a base period of twelve (12) months with four(4) twelve month option years.

The projected work load will be sufficient to employ the list of personnel for the first two years and is projected to significantly increase moving into 2020. Each task order will likely exceed 6 months to perform to completion.

5. Will positions be assigned to multiple projects at a time or dedicated to one project for the duration of a Task Order?

This is a services non-personal contract; the prime contractor is responsible for managing staffing to accomplish the task orders issued. A RFP will be issued requesting level of effort before issuance of a task order. The contractor will assign positions in the offer. After negotiations between Government and Contractor a task order will be issued for the positions, hours, and work to be performed. If there are concurrent task orders the contractor is free to make managerial decisions such as schedule the work of tasked positions, hire more positions, and so on to accomplish the given tasks. Task orders will be issued for specific locations. It is up to management of the prime contractor to utilize its labor force to efficiently perform the task orders; it is the government’s preference to dedicate the team to the specific task order, but not a requirement. All positions must be qualified and meet the educational and experience levels as per the position descriptions

4. Is the idea that for each specific project there will be a team of personnel whom will work together on the specific project and there may be multiple project awards related to IDIQ

Yes. The Mock Task Order is a typical example of teams the contractor will be seeing most frequently. Multiple concurrent task orders may be issued. The QA services will be used as construction projects at sites in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands require day to day quality assurance work. The QA services will be a mix of required personnel to carry out compliance and code compliance checks as needed.

5. Request 3 week extension from date of response to questions.

We are considering a time extension at this time.

7. Will all IDIQ personnel work alongside client as a part of their team and what will be the anticipated interaction between Contractor (performing the construction works), IDIQ Contractor, and Government? Will corrective actions be recommended by IDIQ contractor to

Government, and government relate to Construction Contractor or act in the capacity of the government for all QA/QC corrective action measures?

Contractor personnel will provide QA services as required on each task order. These services will involve the day to day monitoring of construction projects and compliance with codes, regulations, plans, and specifications.

14. Questions closed on 12 September 2018.